DIYPhotography.net

Very poor example to post on your site.  The kid was basically asking to be treated the way he was.  He was uncooperative, hostile, and self-righteous.  Why not show the police officer who is just doing his job your license?

Do you know where in PA this took place?

It's time call lawyers.  These cops need to be trained on the law they may be the only way it will happen 

I hate to be the one to tell you the king is not wearing any clothes, but damn. If a cop asked for an ID. and your doing nothing wrong give it to him. The cop is doing his job. He didn't think you are a terrorist you just pissed him off. I know it sucks. I have been there and handled it badly and handled it well. Well is much better. Steal yourself for these encounters, there are going to happen.  I admire your guts but know when to try another method.

Good Luck and how did the timelapse turn out?

If a police officer asks for your ID and you refuse to show it, you are as much as admitting that you have something to hide.

Some folks are excusing the cops, saying that they were just doing their job. I think you're missing the point of the story. Their job is to enforce the law. By detaining someone without cause, threatening him, and misinforming him about his rights, they are breaking the law. They were definitely not "just doing their jobs"

That being said, it's probably safer to just cooperate at the time and then seek corrective action later.

Great job standing up for your rights. Those cops sound like thugs. Dont just bendover for them. apparently knowing your rights is giving an officer a hard time. WE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO FILM COPS.

Who can blame the cop, the photographer acted like a jerk.  Just show your ID, stop being a smart ass, and you both would have gone on with what you were doing.

After watching this I was curious about Canadian Laws, as obviously I live in Canada.  I found a great site;

http://ambientlight.ca

There is a thorough review of law as it pertains to photography with a printable card to have on hand in case something like this happens here

http://ambientlight.ca/laws/

I think if he would of cooperated, and explained in an educated maner what a time laps the police would have let him keep going. but since he had to fight with the police. we will never get to see what they would have done. If they treated you badly after you cooperated, then it is time to call your lawyer friend. David has an interesting post on strobist explaining how he avoids this kind of thing. I am sure if a police officer asks you for id, you must comply. even if you dont they can wait until you drive away and then ask for it because they need to be able to prove you are a legal driver. next time kill them with kindness, then find out how they react. In many areas police are required to make audio recordings of their interactions to protect themselves. So if you say they did something wrong it might be atleast on audio. 

Apologies if this comes across as blaming the victim. I don't think he was "wrong" and he definitely did not deserve the treatment he got.

However, I would say you got to learn to pick your fights.

Refusing to show your ID to a police officer isn't going to be the end of it. If you fail to comply, you have to imagine that things can get out of hand quickly (again not excusing the behavior of the officer(s) involved).

Nothing like a false diversion to minimize one's own stupidity.

I'd like one good reason aside from "I didn't have to" for not showing your ID.

If you're not doing anything illegal, show the ID. Simple. Over and done with. Any escalation is of his own doing.

Law enforcement shouldn't be expected to cheerfully put up with smart a** "I know my rights" types.

Cops have to deal with criminals, drunks and a ton of obnoxious J O's all day, everyday. Is it any wonder they have a built in nasty and aggressive attitude? Sure, most of them are clueless on the rights of photographers, but it's really the fault of their superiors, who either are ignorant of the law and/or order their officers to bust them anyway. It's up to us to be informative and instructive. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. "I can look it up on my phone" is lame and not a very constructive method.

Suppose two people, civilians, stopped and inquired as to what your taking pictures of? Are you going to tell them in that F U manner, "Because I can, legally and you can't stop me."

I'd never miss an opportunity to teach and inform. If I was in that situation, I would have carefully explained, in an enthusiastic and teaching manner, what time-lapse photography was and showed them an example of it on my phone. Just to show them how cool it is. If you can get them to think it's cool, they are going to think you're cool. And the next time they see you, you get a wave as they drive by instead of a potential bust attempt.

I see no point in asking for trouble.  There may not have been justification to ask for ID, but would it kill you to provide it?  

You seem to feel strongly about this issue.  If you really did, and were not just trying to make a point, then you would have either: a) refused the ID and get arrested and let ACLU dive in; b) report the incident to the police department in an attempt to clarify what they can and can't demand (and inform ACLU to see if they'd dive in on it).

Refusing a simple think like showing ID, then just posting a video on the internet did exactly nothing to solve what you perceive as a huge problem.  If it is a big problem to you, work to solve it.  Posting yet another video on the internet won't do that.  If you aren't willing to make a commitment to take action to solve it then it appears your motives are just to piss the cops off.  

Get over the internet and take action.

Beware the overzealous individuals and the frightened masses who would seek to have you relinquish your rights and freedom so that they may experience a feeling of control or safety.

On the morning of a recent July 4th a private security guard came out of the building he was protecting to tell our group that we "could not park" in the city street. I explained that it was the 4th of July and we were partaking in the 4th of July parade and this was our designated marshalling point for the parade. Our group was to be at this spot at the designated time so that we could ride our motorcycles in the parade.

He repeated that we "could not park there". Again, I explained that it was the 4th of July parade and this was our marshalling point. I thought about explaining how we in the United States celebrated our Independence Day.

Again, "you can not park there".

It was as if he had never heard of the 4th of July, the annual parade, or the concept of freedom.

Again, "you can not park there". So I told him, call your supervisor, call the police, call anyone you want, but we are not moving.

By this time there were 30 or so Harley riders with flags etcetera putting their final touches on their rides.

He looked at the growing number of riders in leathers and their Harleys and retreated to the safety of his building.

People in the United States are in a headlong rush to surrender not just their liberty and freedom but yours as well.

Remember what Benjamin Franklin once said. They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

I'm sick of seeing this video posted all over the photography sites I visit. The guy was being a jerk, He's on a bridge at night over a road, other people don't know what he's doing, all he had to do was show them his ID and that's that, hell, they probably wouldn't of even ran his ID. The idiot couldn't even properly explain what he was doing. Not everyone knows what a timelapes is, or how it works, maybe if he explained it with out being a douche the cops could of under stood. The cops where being defensive back because of how he was acting. If you want respect, show respect.

It is quite amazing at how many commenters here are willing to be so compliant at what amounts to an unreasonable request. You have been trained well. We enjoy a willing and subservient common class thanks to you and it could not survive without your outspoken support and encouragement. Keep up the good work, and remember it is important to slap down any and all signs of a free and independant nature, for this type of behavior can only lead to a populace that expects an unreasonable amount of adherence to professional conduct, standards and practices. There is no place for these trivilities in dealing with the public. It would be the end to a police state that strives to protect all from themselves.

This photographer gives photographers a bad name. The "I don't have to" attitude is just going to get you more questions. The police officer is doing his job trying to be sure some nut case isn't doing something he shouldn't be on a bridge over traffic. Garbage answers like "my father knows your chief" is just stupid! when a polic officer asks for ID - show it to him, explain when you are doing on a bridge at night over traffic and maybe even show him you are a legit photog - my bet is they would have wished you well and been on their way. This guy is the same type of guy that will complain when the cops don't do their job and keep people from throwing rocks or worse off a bridge at cars!!! Grow up and show your ID!

I get tired of people getting lionized for nothing! They didn't beat him up or shoot him.
What's the big deal. Let just say if they saw someone doing something that later proved to be some how part of a crime. Why not just show it to them. Learn how to explain what you are doing. and when they ask you to move on, though they probably won't do that, Then you tell them you'll leave when you are done! How do they know you went some idiot that was going to toss something down on traffic or a jumper! They are not mind readers! Besides if you had treated them with respect they probably would park off to the side and watch! Nothing like having the cops watching your back! I have had that happen a few times in some pretty rough neighborhoods.  Give them a wave as I leave. It's all good!

Cops can ask for id. And in a lot of states I think the court would rule staking out a street corner for three hours a suspicious enough activity that they can 'detain' you at the scene and there fore require you to show your id. Pennsylvania is not one of those states, but though you don't have to show your id, that doesn't make it illegal to ask. I agree with most everyone else. Grow up, be civil. The cops aren't out to get you, they are just doing their job. I don't believe in karma, but it can't be a good idea to piss off too many cops for no reason. It is really hard to obey every traffic law perfectly.

I'm a photographer I've also Worked in EMS for 6 years on the road and 2 years as a dispatcher. I'm also a heavily tattooed individual with tattoos extending down on to the palms of my hand.  I've run in to countless occasions where when I was on the job in full uniform I am treated as a brother in arms.  Out of the uniform I am villified as a, "person of suspician" in most communities, I've been pulled over for exactly that with a headlight out no registration or proof of insurance and been let go with no ticket no fine no nothing and had the officer change his tone completely when I produced my medical licenses.  I've also had handcuffs taken off after identifying myself as an EMT and that I infact ran rescue in their city.  I agree that at the end of the day working with law enforcement is the way to go. On the other hand there are a fair few out there that don't understand your rights let alone their rights, and given that most everyone in public safety is a type A personality they will walk all over your rights if they feel that they are correct. was this the best way to handle a situation? no however those officers were not in the right either

I just love how everyone is a lawyer nowadays & knows every detail of every law in every jurisdiction.  Or maybe they just have an attitude, like this guy.  He caused the problem by not being polite & friendly, acknowledging the police officer's right to ask him for ID & a short explanation of what he was doing.  The photog copped an attitude from the start, which caused the entire "incident".  He was 100% wrong but will never realize it, and apparently many of the responders are in the same boat. 

Try using common courtesy in your dealings with everyone, along with manners, instead of attitude. You will get much farther in life & be a lot happier.

I don't think this wash good example for the website to use if thy were trying to make a point about photographers rights. I'm very disappointed that they chose to use this guy instead of someone who is, and acts like, an adult & a professional.

I have already said that He was asking for it. right or wrong, just comply with an insignifigant request like an ID. but if they want to see the contents of your camera, or go to your house and look through your underwear drawer, they better be getting a judge involved. IMO showing your ID is not going to erode your rights. Know where to draw the line with compliance, and don't move that line regardless.

First off, the kid in this (at least he is acting like a kid) is being a self-righteous douche trying to force confrontation with the officer. Any lawyer (who isn't trying to clog up the courts with frivolous lawsuits just to "make a point") would ask you why you didn't show your ID and if your answer was "because I don't have to" would call you an idiot. I always carry two things with me on a shoot, my state issued Driver License and my press card (in a foreign country I also carry my passport on me), when asked for my ID I hand them over. My only goal when my shoot is being interrupted is to get that interruption over with; I don't really have the time to get in a pissing match I won't win. Is it right for them to ask me for my ID, I have no idea. When they ask me for it, I show it. If they ask any follow up questions I answer them and then they leave takes 5 min of time tops (instead of a hour or more), I don’t have any inclination to turn into some martyr for “the cause”.

This would not have happened 30 years ago.  Society is becoming crewl, on both sides.  Officers think they are dignity, and people live in fear, we all live in fear.  The result of terrorism.

I wouldn't consider this as a good answer even the cop was asking a bit naiv. I think this is how they do their job asking questions again so see if there is something odd in the story. And if you are not to much into Photography you might get a bit irritated by the answer 'because I can'. At least when you a cop and try tocheck if there is something wrong. Beeing polite and respectful isn't just a one-way street.

Had he been in a city park photographing the sunset, the police officer would have never paused.  But any photography around infrastructure in this day and age is going to be questioned.  Get used to it, it is being done in the public interest.

And for all those claiming he had the legal right to do this or refuse that, there are enough nasty little clauses in the Homeland Security Act that you are most likely wrong.

While I won't say the police officer handled the situation well, I understand his position.  Many of the people he deals with late at night would like to see him dead, some of which have likely tried to make it so.  His best response to the situation would have been to note that he has the legal right to stand directly in front of the camera and block any future shots unless this JA becomes a little more forthcoming with some ID and drops the attitude.

Interesting! The photographer handled it in a way that I would never handle this situation. I shoot a lot of night photography, so I am use to cops rolling up on me. Sometimes they ask for ID, which I give them. Sometimes they just ask what I am doing and I tell them and they roll on. I find the best way to deal with this is to just be friendly and open. That is how I choose to handle things and it serves me well. I pick my battles.

With that all said, being a cop does not give you the right to break the law. This photographer might have acted like an a** and he might have handled it in a way that I would not, but the Photographer did not break the law, the cops broke the law. Nothing gives them the right to break the law. Standing somewhere shooting photos is not Probable Cause. Being a black photographer in a white area is not Probable Cause. Being a tattooed photographer in a affluent area is not Probable Cause. Just being a photographer is not Probable Cause.

Bottom line

Photographer did not break the law, he might be an a**, but he did not break the law. Cooperation and friendliness is usually the best policy.

The cops don't write the laws, they do not have the right to create their own laws, a badge does not give you the right to violate the law, as a cop it is YOUR responsibility to support and uphold the laws. In this case, the cops broke the law. I have to have a driver's license to drive, but I am not required to carry ID on me. Not having ID does not make me a criminal, it does not represent Probable Cause and I am not required to present ID. I might look suspicious, but looking suspicious is not a violation of the law or give a cop a right to violate my rights. The police violated this photographer's Constitutional Right. Last time I checked, in America we citizens do have Constitutional Rights.

Being an a** is a choice, but it is legal to choose this option and you have that right, even if it isn't the best option. It is NEVER ok for cops to break the law. Cops are responsible for upholding the law, not violating the law. There is no excuse to break a citizens' rights under the Constitution and laws of the land.

This is pretty black and white, you support the law or you support breaking the law. Photographer, learn your Constitution Rights, but I suggest that you pick your battles; some battles are just not worth the trouble.

Good grief. I can't believe all the people who think the police did the right thing. It's not illegal to be a jerk. we don't have to prove to the police that we are not criminals unless it is clear that we are commiting a crime. Police are public servants, not our babysitters. Police are the ones who must put up with public jerks, not the public putting up with jerk police. That is not how it works. I can't believe the way most you react to this. It is debatable whether this guy was a jerk, it sounds more like he has dealt witht his before and he was tired of it. But in anycase it is not illegal to be a jerk and this guy knew his rights. The police acted innappropriately and even threateningly. And why? Not because he was committing a crime, but because he was not 100% compliant, meek and polite. And you blame him. Well sorry police violence enablers, but this is not the way it is supposed to work.

i dont know it but i would say this young man has had a run in with a bad officer at some point. I think the first cop was being somewhat "normal" and "by the book"...but once or twice or three times that you have a run in with a bad officer, you really get the meaning of "the biggest gang in the city" (with guns). And once or twice you over look it but by the third time you are an educated citizen. I dont think there is anything wrong with that. I just think our young photographer is over zealous and over prepared for the wrost case scenerio. Be prepared to get a baton in your head at some point as well as spending a night in the police staion if you are out and about and at the wrong place at the wrong time. The police are not perfect, they are just people so they have the same faults we do. except they have guns and the law on their side. Take your beatings and live to photograph another day...and also have a good lawyer. That helps...

Some cops think they're above the law and therefore abuse their position by treating ppl like rubbish.....the racial slurs & bullying are evidence.  Jason knew his rights thanks to a lawyer, someone who most probably knows the law better than a cop.  Jason explained many times why he was there with his camera gear and they kept ignoring his repeated answer.  By what I heard, he definitely was not being rude or arrogant but standing up for his rights to be in a public place, doing something that was not a threat or a motive for any form of terrorism.  Why is it that some ppl think we should have to conform and submit to the bullying tactics of those who think they have the right to treat you anyway they wish? Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and with respect if they're doing nothing wrong.   

I believe in standing up for what is right according to God, not man.  If it's law that Jason does not have to show the cops his ID, then they should not only know this but respect his wishes to do so.  I'm not anti-law enforcement, I just believe that some ppl do not deserve to wear the badge.

Wow, it's both surprising and disappointing at the number of folks sticking up for the bully mentality of the cops.  Sure the guy was a smart*ss, which insulted the cop, which led to the whole ID game.  It became quite evident when they weren't getting any compliance, their feeling of being in control threatened, they use the badge to try and regain their feeling of dominance.  Why did the cops have to act so ignorant to what he's doing, surely they aren't that dumb?  Do they feel it's really a game?  Instead of Cop vs Civilian, this became attitude vs attiudes with badges. 

I didn't read all the comments, because it was obvious from other, similar posts how they would go.  But let's try a little sanity here.  And let me establish my creditials:  25 years in military and state law enforcement, 26 years in security, and 30 years as a photographer (obviously during the same time -  I'm not 81 years old).

In case you missed it, we had a little event called 9-11.  In the wake of that event, law enforcement agencies were put on alert all over the country, and the search for terrorists continues still.  One of the areas local cops were told to watch for was "suspicious" people (whatever that means) photographing public buildings, infrastructure (like bridges and water reservoirs), and so forth.  Most local cops want to do well (of course there's always the exception), but are not trained in counter-terrorism, so if they see something unusual they pounce on it.  Now, the laws may be different were you are, but in my jurisdiction if a police officer asked for ID you either produced it or identified yourself with your name and date of birth.  If you didn't identify yourself, that was cause to investigate further.  Maybe something comes of it (like an outstanding warrant) or maybe not, but the cop isn't going to accept "it's my right" and just walk away, ACLU or no ACLU.

As a photographer, I've been stopped and asked what I was doing and for identification, and it pissed me off, too.  I can go on for hours about the First Amendment, public access, etc., but what would I accomplish?  The bottom line, understand the cop has a job to do, most don't want to hassle you, but if you come off as a street-side lawyer, you're going to raise their hackles.  So, I agree with David Hobby's way, and you can show your ID and explain what you are doing.  You'll probably be able to get your shot and move on your way, or you can cop an attitude and spend a "reasonable amount of time" (Terry v Ohio) while the police officer determines that there has been no crime committed.  Your choice.

I bet if terrorists are taking pictures for research, they are using an inconspicious point and shoot. otherwise they are brobably taking notes, and drawing from memory, or finding pre existing pictures online. the idea of a guy in a car with an slr is a movie plot, used so the DP can take cool shots as if through a view finder, and add some shutter clicks and shuter black outs.

There was no reasonable suspicion of a crime.

Terry Stop.

There was no probable cause and he doesn't need to produce any identification.

4th Amendment.

He doesn't need to answer any questions.

5th Amendment.

See the wiki article about stop and identify statues section "consensual"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_and_Identify_statutes#Consensual

Wiretapping? No. It seems reasonable to me that someone with electronic equipment like a camera would record a conversation with a police officer, or anyone or anyhting else in a public space. If everyone starts doing it then it becomes a "circumstance in which the parties to the communication may reasonably expect that the communication may be overheard or recorded." (CA law §632) and then it's not covered under wiretapping laws.

"Any oral communication uttered by a person possessing an expectation that such communication is not subject to interception under circumstances justifying such expectation." (PA law § 5704) also doesn't count if there is expectation that any oral communication may be subject to interception. Which they will when more people start doing it.

http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/telecom/electronic-surveillance-laws.aspx

Seriously I think all the off camera claims are b.s. It's guys like this that give the rest of us urban shooters a bad reputation. Just do what they say and cooperate. If they ask for ID, show it. Who cares? The reason they do that is only to check for outstanding warrants, if you have none then so what? If you do, then you're dumb for being out of hiding. And honestly all the quotes about things said off camera have got to be fake. You can hear in his voice on camera that he wouldn't take it that far. His voice was already shakey taking about what he barely knew about. Already nervous because you couldn't blaitently explain what a simple time lapse is and any sane person won't throw "I know the chief" unless there is a valid honest story behind it. Don't try and act tough and be a show off. 

If they ask you to leave, do so. Who cares. Happens to me all the time and I'm not wearing any shiny braclets. 

The cops says that its illegal for you to record his voice on video, yet I'm sure that all the patroll cars there have a dash cam that was recording away. 

You've copied Jason's comments from his YouTube page; you may want to remove them as they can be considered libelous. Best to be safe as I'm sure you, as a site owner, wouldn't want to become embroiled in a legal situation from a poorly chosen post.

The kid asked for it i can tell you it would have ended with just showing the id and then the cop would have gotten friendly and might have even looked out for the kid but instead the kid got all aclu loser on the cops and he got what he deserved.

Both parties are in the wrong and bent on making a point. The photog for being a jerk and the cop for being a bully.

You're a bunch of wimps saying just bend over and take it!

The right way isn't always the easy way, but its the right way.

Someone needs to educate this department on the law.  And furthermore, how difficult is it for them to tell what he's doing?  He taking photos, it's not a sniper rifle.

I agree with a lot of the posts here.

I've been a working photographer for over 25 years, this photographer started off with a smart-ass, smarmy attitude.

If he'd shown ID, acted somewhat professional, and expanded his explanation of whathe was doing so that the officer would have understood the concept, this would have had a much better outcome.

Now this isn't a place to discuss 1st amendment rights, which in my opinion weren't trod upon, but hey, police have a tough job, and they do need to look out for themselves.

Just my 2 cents.

I don't get it! I don't know how the rigth's in america are but here in germany the police have the right to check your ID and if you not have one or won't show it he can arest you and identify your personality there. If you don't like it change the country, you have provoke the policeman. God please sent (let it rain) Brain/knowlege/education! 

that's enough i will never visit this site enymore, what a bull...

yes the kid was a smart ass ill give everyone that. However he did try to explain to the cop several times what his legitimate reason for being there was. It is not his fault that the cop didnt undrstand. while I agree it would have just been easier to show his ID and be friendly or contact the department before hand about it, it is not required. the arguement that "if you have nothing to hide then just show your ID" is really weak. it is akin to saying "if you have nothing to hide then just let them search your car or your house", I dont let cops search my car when a cop asks mainly becuase most cops are a**holes about it and just throw your stuff around, but also because it is my right to say no.

as for the cops saying that he can not "record their voices" while most staes do have wire tap laws that prohibit you from recording someone without thir permission, the same laws hat provide us with the protection to be able to photograph/video people on the street allow us to record sound (including voice) in a public area because there is no "reasonable expectation of privacy".

Police have a tough job and dont get paid near enough for what they do, so they do deserve a measure of respect but we need to stand up for our rights whenever possible or we begin to trade them for a sense of fasle security.

bottom line is the kid WAS an a**hole but we cant not stand up for our rights just becuase it makes things easier.

This will be my last post on the thread.

I've probably done more Terry stops than anyone on this thread.  The general rules are as I have explained them.  Do I think the cop handled it badly?  From a courtesy standpoint, probably yes.  But legally, he was in the right.

The young man was wrong about his ability to record the conversation.  15 seconds of research shows that Pennsylvania is a "two-party consent" state, meaning the officer had to know and consent to the monitoring.  (Your very expensive lawyer can argue in court after your arrest that the officer had no expectation of privacy.) The only exceptions under the Pennsylvania law are for internet providers and law enforcement.  http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/crime.aspx?id=199 Until either the state changes the law or a court overturns it, that is the law.

So, if you are not planning on cooperating with law enforcement, do some research from primary sources (the actual laws and court opinions), know what your rights really are, have copies of the pertinent laws with you, and be prepared to accept the consequences.  Me, I'll show my ID, smile, talk my way out of it, and get my photos.

The court noted that past decisions on police recording had involved fulltime reporters, but said the First Amendment does not apply just to professional news gatherers.

    "Moreover, changes in technology and society have made the lines between private citizen and journalist exceedingly difficult to draw. The proliferation of electronic devices with video-recording capability means that many of our images of current events come from bystanders with a ready cell phone or digital camera rather than a traditional film crew, and news stories are now just as likely to be broken by a blogger at her computer as a reporter at a major newspaper. Such developments make clear why the news-gathering protections of the First Amendment cannot turn on professional credentials or status."

The court continued that exercise of these rights do come with limits in certain circumstances.

Oops! Not the US Supreme Court, it was the Federal Appeals Court.

Sounds like one of those "occupy" slackers.  Cop showed have shot him in the leg and said the dslr looked "gun like" in the dark

This is so not police harassment.This is just some dude intentionally being a dick to aurthority,whne asked perfectly valid questions.

I can guarantee,that  if this guy just producedhis ID,the cops would have let him be,hell they may have even asked to sneek a peak.But for whatever reason he decided tobe an ASS.........................

so I dont feel one bit sorry for him,he was being stupid, seriously how hard would it have been to show his ID,considering he had it.He was intenitional in his rebeliousness

Dude, if you are going to try to drop names, then actually know who they are. Don't say I know this guy, then backtrack to well my dad knows him.

Personally having been in a very similar situation, the photog was a douche. I was harrased for taking pics of a IRS facility , which happened to be in an old historic building. I did assure the cop I was in the right, but he wouldn't budge. So I left, got the docs to prove I was right and went right to their management and now ther is no longer an issue.

I was taking pictures and video of an electrical power plant from private property where I had a signed release from the property owner to be on his property. Security guards illegally came onto the property to hassle me and then called the police who also hassled me. I refused to give them anything other than a copy of the signed release to be on the property and the phone number of the property owner.  They arrested me.

The case was dismissed and I got a $100k settlement from the electric company and the cases against the sheriff's department is stilll pending, but my lawyer is in settlement talks with them as well.

Seriously, it's sad he went through that, but with age you learn to value certain things in life, and how to take the best of what you get, you know?

What's the point of standing for simply "being right" for itself and having all this trouble?

If a cop ask my ID I'll show it to him, no problem. If he asks what I'm doing I'll get annoyed but, let's face it, doesn't make a difference, so why not try to explain properly (what that guy didn't, at least in the video)? Why not try to create a friendly environment out of an annoying situation? Yeah, I've done that lots of times. Who knows, maybe in the end the cop would understand what is going on when he sees someone "camping" by a camera on a tripod in the future? Sometimes things end up being as simple as that.

Having peace of mind is better then being right.

I am definitely in the "photographer was being a jerk" team.

Seriously, ok, so he *doesn't* have to show ID, but the cops are in a position of authority, they ask for ID, just show them the bloody ID.  Even if they ARE on powertrips, complying with their requests so they can do all their checks on your background to prove to themselves that you're doing nothing untoward makes them easier to deal with.

Showing the cop his ID and explaining in a noncondescending (and actually knowledgeable way) way what timelaspe photography when he was asked would have most likely ended the situation within a minute. He was being a smartass and nothing gets a cop's back up as being a smartass does. 

I've been approached by police in regards to my photography too.  I handed over my DL when they asked to see it, confirmed my address and then answered their questions? What was I doing? Taking pictures of a bridge. Why was I doing that? Because... *gushy voice*... LOOK HOW PRETTY IT IS!  They laughed, I laughed. They told me to be careful and left.

Catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

In Soviet Russia, you don't take pictures..... pictures take you!

I wonder how many cops wish and/or fantasize that they had pulled any of the 911 terrorists over and succesfully busted them for something, thereby preventing at least one of those planes from wreaking their destruction and saving all those lives, a known number in each case.

I'd bet all of them have had that thought, even if it was fleeting and a one-off. Hell, even I've had those thoughts and I'm not a cop, but I lived 2.2 miles from the hotel they stayed in.

I wonder what part that plays on the cop's psyche and how that might manifest itself in day to day interactions with the public.

Is that what you think of when you hear terrorist? Are you leery of all white people now?

On this one you've gone from the mindset of the police to "white guys" aren't terrorists and now, would the police be called in the first place. Since you obviously don't want to  to engage in a logical argumentative debate on any particular facet relating to the thread, have a nice day. Don't forget to have the last word and then declare yourself the "winner."

Yes, folks, Kevy is also delusional. Now, watch, he'll continue to respond with his one upmanship replies after every post made. C'mon, loser, we're on the edge of our seats waiting for your next, "Mommy said I'm a winner." post.

See, what did I tell you... Right on cue, Pavlov's Dog Breath. Ding! Ding! Hit the keyboard, Kevy...

of you. I think both your points are clear and you are now slowly sliding into the realm of bad and offendig dicsussion. Please discuss to the point.